#sm021

[smilingperformer]

Speaking of my SM rewatch, we reached episode 22 last night, and gosh I feel bad for making my sis cry so much lol I am able to somewhat control myself now since this is like, what, 6th or 7th or 8th time watching these episodes, I have no clue, I lost count, but Nyabby is still a good ‘mon and Mooland was such a good doggo and the episode tackled the theme of death so well and ohmygod I’m crying now-

[multiscales]

“The Guardian Deity at the Ruin of Hope, Kapu-Rehire, posses the mystical power to allow people to meet those who have departed from this world.” 

[maskedkitsune]

The dub actually came closer to acknowledging Stoutland’s death than the Japanese version did

Japanese version

Rotom: Where’s Stoutland?

Kukui: Don’t ask.

English dub

Rotom: Where’s Stoutland?

Kukui: I’m sorry.

[noodlerama]

My dudes, I need to talk about how fucking on point the atmosphere and symbolism was in today’s EP real quick.

Pokeani isn’t really known for handling mature themes with a lot of grace or finesse, so when I saw this episode it actually really impressed me. Stoutland dying could’ve easily flopped as a intended emotional punch to the viewer but the way it was handled was very well done. Whats especially of note is how they portray that through just visuals and not just words.

The moment Litten wakes up to find Stoutland gone, all the colors in the world are muted, lots of dull, grey tones, a muddy overcast day, probably visual shorthand for Litten’s own feelings and how he’s dealing with the loss. The rain starts pouring when Litten gives into his anguish. And finally my favorite shot in the episode, just showing Litten’s silhouette separated from Ash and Kukui’s by a black void, really says to me it’s meant to portray how alone Litten feels, and possibly how powerless Ash and Kukui feel because nothing they can say would help.

Also the tree representing something of a “countdown” to Stoutland’s death might be a little on the nose, but once again, I appreciate Pokeani dabbling with these kinds of hidden meanings is very welcome, it’s showing me how they don’t always need to treat their audience like idiots and have everything spelt out for them and it just simply makes for a more visually engaging experience, so I just have to give them mad props for how well they handled this episode’s subject matter

[miracleman2]

Next two weeks, an one-hour special episode for the 20th anniversary!

Plus a Tapu-Lele!

[rohanite]

I love the fact that they used Meowth’s XY&Z character song as an insert song this week, it really fit the mood of Litten’s situation and was appropriate because Meowth indeed cared for it, and he sort of acted like the audience, following the story from behind the scenes as Satoshi took care of Litten directly.

[soveryanon]

[soveryanon]